The little girl closed her eyes, and let sleep overtake her. As her eyes rested shut. I kiss was planted on her shoulder. Where the lips had touched, the mark of a single leaf burned.

“You’re ours now”

Just then, the still silence was broken, as a man crashed through the brambles. “No!” He yelled, as the others scattered, leaving behind the small child, her eyes wide open surprise. He picked her up gently. “Hush now, you’re safe. Soon you won’t remember this.”